Chemistry is a science. So why then is it impossible to know or predict how the chemistry between people will work out Chemistry is a science.
So why then is it impossible to know or predict how the chemistry between people will work out?
Musically, it's even more difficult to forecast what the union of elements will produce, especially when they're so different.
But in the case of The Wailin' Jennys, a collaborative act featuring singer-songwriters Cara Luft, Ruth Moody, and Nicky Mehta, there was a hint the result would be magic.
"We knew vocally that things worked right from the start," says Mehta of that act that was originally thrown together for one performance at a Winnipeg guitar show in 2002.
"But I think because none of us had it in our heads that we were going to do it beyond that one show, I don't think we were thinking in those terms..."
"As time has gone by, we realize that it's a really great thing that we're such different writers and that we bring different elements to the group - it makes it a really well rounded project."
And the rest of North America is beginning to realize it, as well.
Separately, each had already established themselves in this country's music community: Luft, a former Calgarian, performed at Lilith Fair and also earned a Prairie Music Award in 2001, Moody was the vocalist for Scruj MacDuhk; and Mehta worked in theatre before forging her own solo music career.
Together the roots artists have become the darlings of the folk scene, with their gorgeous harmonizing and sweet acoustic material.
The Jenny, who perform tonight at Ironwood, have just released their first full-length recording, 40 Days, featuring covers and material written individually but performed and perfected collectively.
"We're trying to make time for everybody to pursue whatever it is they want to outside of the band, but really the focus is on the Jennys right now because we're really busy and there's lots of interest," says Mehta.
"Because we do our original material, and because we make it a priority that we're all represented equally and everybody's songwriting is presented in a really strong way, people get a sense of who we are as solo songwriters.
"That can only help create a wider audience for all of us."
Mehta says their success is sweet, even though it may have eclipsed what each of the women have done on their own. "I don't think any of us are sitting here feeling like, "Oh my God, I wish the spotlight was on me and not the other two," she laughs.
"For me, it's almost more fun to enjoy the success of this group because I don't have to carry it myself. You can relax a bit in the success and enjoy."